Part 13
2. After Thy strife, Life of my life, Thou’rt in the tomb reposing, Round Thee now a rock-hewn grave, Rock of Ages, closing.
3. How cold art Thou, My Savior, now! Thy fervent love hath driven Thee into the cold, dark grave That I might gain heaven.
4. Breath of all breath! I know from death Thou wilt my dust awaken; Wherefore should I dread the grave Or my faith be shaken?
5. To me the tomb Shall be a room Where I lie down on roses; Who by faith hath conquered death Sweetly there reposes.
6. The body dies— Naught else—and lies In dust until victorious From the grave it shall arise Beautiful and glorious.
7. Meantime I will, My Savior, still Deep in my bosom lay Thee, Ever musing on Thy death. Leave me not, I pray Thee!
Sal. Franck, 1716.
217
L. M.
Lord Jesus, who, our souls to save, Didst rest and slumber in the grave, Now grant us all in Thee to rest And here to live as seems Thee best.
2. Give us the strength, the dauntless faith, That Thou hast purchased with Thy death And lead us to that glorious place Where we shall see the Father’s face.
3. O Lamb of God, who once wast slain, We thank Thee for that bitter pain. Let us share in Thy death that we May enter into life with Thee.
G. Werner, 1638; C. Winkworth, tr., a.
EASTER.
218
7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6
Awake, my heart, with gladness, See what to-day is done, How after gloom and sadness Comes forth the glorious Sun! My Savior there was laid Where our bed must be made When to the realms of light Our spirit wings its flight.
2. They in the grave did sink Him, The Foe held jubilee; Before he can bethink him, Lo! Christ again is free, And “Victory!” He cries And waveth toward the skies His banner, for the field Is by the Hero held.
3. Upon the grave is standing The Hero, looking round; The Foe, no more withstanding, His weapons on the ground Throws down, his hellish power To Christ he must give o’er And to the Victor’s bands Must yield his feet and hands.
4. This is a sight that gladdens And fills my heart with glee; Now naughtsoever saddens My soul nor takes from me My trust or fortitude Or any precious good Which by His victory My Savior gained for me.
5. Hell and its prince, the devil, Now of their power are shorn, I now am safe from evil, And sin I laugh to scorn. Grim Death with all his might Cannot my soul affright; He is a powerless form, Howe’er he rage and storm.
6. The world against me rageth, Its fury I disdain; Though bitter war it wageth, Its work is all in vain. My heart from care is free, No trouble troubles me, Misfortune now is play; And night is bright as day.
7. I cleave now and forever To Christ, a member true; My Head will leave me never, Whate’er He passeth through. He treads the world beneath His feet and conquers death And hell and breaks sin’s thrall; I’m with Him through it all.
8. To glory He ascendeth, I follow Him fore’er, For Christ, my Head, defendeth His member from all care. No enemy I fear Because my Head is near; My Savior is my Shield, By Him all rage is stilled.
9. He brings me to the portal That opens into bliss, Where, graved in words immortal, This golden scripture is: “Who there are scorned with Me Here with Me crowned shall be; Who there with Me shall die Shall here be raised as I!”
Paul Gerhardt, 1649; J. Kelly, tr., a.
219
C. M.
Father of Jesus Christ, my Lord, My Savior, and my Head, I trust in Thee, whose powerful word Hath raised Him from the dead.
2. Thou know’st for my offense He died And rose again for me, Fully and freely justified, That I might live to Thee.
3. Eternal life to all mankind Thou hast in Jesus giv’n; And all who seek, in Him shall find The happiness of heav’n.
4. Obedient faith, that waits on Thee, Thou never wilt reprove; But Thou wilt form Thy Son in me And perfect me in love.
5. To Thee the glory of Thy power And faithfulness I give. I shall in Christ at that glad hour, And Christ in me, shall live.
Charles Wesley, 1742.
220
7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7
Jesus Christ, my sure Defense And my Savior, ever liveth; Knowing this, my confidence Rests upon the hope it giveth Though thy night of death be fraught Still with many an anxious thought.
2. Jesus, my Redeemer, lives! I, too, unto life must waken; Endless joy my Savior gives; Shall my courage, then, be shaken? Shall I fear, or could the Head Rise and leave His members dead?
3. Nay, too closely am I bound Unto Him by hope forever; Faith’s strong hand the Rock hath found, Grasped it, and will leave it never; Even death now cannot part From its Lord the trusting heart.
4. I am only flesh and blood, And on this corruption seizeth; But I know my Lord and God From the grave my body raiseth That with Him eternally In His glory I may be.
5. Glorified, I shall again With this skin then be enshrouded; In this body I shall then See my God with eyes unclouded; In this flesh I then shall see Jesus Christ eternally.
6. Then these eyes my Lord shall know, My Redeemer and my Brother; In His love my soul shall glow,— I myself, and not another! Only there shall disappear Weakness in and round me here.
7. What now sickens, mourns, and sighs Christ with Him in glory bringeth; Earthly is the seed and dies, Heavenly from the grave it springeth; Natural is the death we die, Spiritual our life on high.
8. Then take comfort, nay, rejoice! For His members Christ will cherish; Fear not, they will know His voice, Though awhile they seem to perish, When the final trump is heard And the deaf, cold grave is stirred.
9. Laugh to scorn the gloomy grave And at death no longer tremble; For the Lord, who comes to save, Round Him shall His saints assemble, Raising them o’er all their foes, Mortal weakness, fear, and woes.
10. Only draw away your heart Now from pleasures base and hollow; Would ye there with Christ have part, Here His footsteps ye must follow; Fix your hearts beyond the skies, Whither ye yourselves would rise!
Berlin, 1653; C. Winkworth, tr., a.
221
7s
“Christ the Lord is risen to-day,” Sons of men and angels say. Raise your joys and triumphs high; Sing, ye heavens, and, earth, reply.
2. Love’s redeeming work is done, Fought the fight, the battle won; Lo! our Sun’s eclipse is o’er; Lo! He sets in blood no more.
3. Vain the stone, the watch, the seal; Christ has burst the gates of hell. Death in vain forbids His rise; Christ has opened Paradise.
4. Lives again our glorious King; Where, O Death, is now thy sting? Dying once, He all doth save; Where thy victory, O Grave?
5. Soar we now where Christ has led, Following our exalted Head. Made like Him, like Him we rise; Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
6. Hail the Lord of earth and heav’n! Praise to Thee by both be giv’n! Thee we greet triumphant now; Hail, the Resurrection Thou!
Charles Wesley, 1739.
222
7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7
Jesus lives! No longer now Can thy terrors, Death, appal me; Jesus lives! by this I know From the grave He will recall me. Brighter scenes will then commence; This shall be my confidence.
2. Jesus lives! To Him the throne High o’er heaven and earth is given. I shall go where He is gone, Live and reign with Him in heaven. God is pledged; weak doubtings, hence! This shall be my confidence.
3. Jesus lives! For me He died, Hence will I, to Jesus living, Pure in heart and act abide, Praise to Him and glory giving. Freely God doth aid dispense; This shall be my confidence.
4. Jesus lives! I know full well Naught from me His love shall sever; Life nor death nor powers of hell Part me now from Christ forever. God will be a sure Defense: This shall be my confidence.
5. Jesus lives! Henceforth is death But the gate of life immortal; This shall calm my trembling breath When I pass its gloomy portal. Faith shall cry, as fails each sense, “Jesus is my confidence!”
C. F. Gellert, 1757; Frances E. Cox, tr., † 1864.
223
8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7
Who is this that comes from Edom, All His raiment stained with blood; To the captive speaking freedom, Bringing and bestowing good; Glorious in the garb He wears, Glorious in the spoil He bears?
2. ’Tis the Savior, now victorious, Traveling onward in His might; ’Tis the Savior; O how glorious To His people is the sight! Satan conquered and the grave, Jesus now is strong to save.
3. Why that blood His raiment staining? ’Tis the blood of many slain; Of His foes there’s none remaining, None the contest to maintain. Fall’n they are, no more to rise; All their glory prostrate lies.
4. Mighty Victor, reign forever, Wear the crown so dearly won; Never shall Thy people, never, Cease to sing what Thou hast done. Thou hast fought Thy people’s foes; Thou hast healed Thy people’s woes.
Thomas Kelly, 1809, a.
224
8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 4
In death’s strong grasp the Savior lay, For our offenses given; But now the Lord is ris’n to-day And brings us life from heaven. Therefore let us all rejoice, And praise our God with cheerful voice, And sing loud hallelujahs. Hallelujah!
2. No son of man could conquer Death, Such mischief sin had wrought us, For innocence dwelt not on earth, And therefore Death had brought us Into thraldom from of old And ever grew more strong and bold And kept us in his bondage. Hallelujah!
3. But Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, To our low state descended, The cause of Death He has undone, His power forever ended, Ruined all his right and claim, And left him nothing but the name,— His sting is lost forever. Hallelujah!
4. It was a strange and dreadful fray When Death and Life contended; But it was Life that won the day, The reign of Death was ended. Holy Scripture plainly saith That Death is swallowed up by Death, Made henceforth a derision. Hallelujah!
6. Here the true Paschal Lamb we see, Whom God so freely gave us; He died on the accursed tree— So strong His love!—to save us. See, His blood doth mark our door; Faith points to it, Death passes o’er. The Murderer cannot harm us. Hallelujah!
6. So let us keep the festival With heartfelt exultation. Christ is Himself the Joy of all, The Sun of our salvation. By His grace He doth impart Eternal sunshine to the heart; The night of sin is ended. Hallelujah!
7. Then let us feast this Easter Day On Christ, the Bread of heaven; The Word of Grace hath purged away The old and evil leaven; Christ alone our souls will feed, He is our meat and drink indeed, Faith lives upon no other. Hallelujah!
Martin Luther, 1524.
225
7s (with Hall.)
Christ the Lord is risen again! Christ has broken death’s strong chain! Hark, the angels shout for joy, Singing evermore on high: Hallelujah!
2. He who gave for us His life, Who for us endured the strife, Is our Paschal Lamb to-day. We, too, sing for joy and say: Hallelujah!
3. He who bore all pain and loss Comfortless upon the cross Lives in glory now on high, Pleads for us and hears our cry: Hallelujah!
4. He whose path no records tell, Who descended into hell, Who the strong man armed hath bound, Now in highest heaven is crowned: Hallelujah!
5. He who slumbered in the grave Is exalted now to save; Now through Christendom it rings That the Lamb is King of kings! Hallelujah!
6. Now He bids us tell mankind How all may salvation find, How poor sinners are forgiv’n, And through faith may enter heav’n: Hallelujah!
7. Thou our Paschal Lamb indeed, Christ, to-day Thy people feed; Take our sins and guilt away That we all may sing for aye: Hallelujah!
Bohemian Brethren, M. Weiss, 1531; C. Winkworth, tr., a.
226
10, 6, 10, 9, 9, 4
I am content! My Jesus liveth still, In whom my heart is pleased; He hath fulfilled the Law of God for me, God’s wrath He hath appeased. Since Him from life death could not sever, I also shall not die forever. I am content!
2. I am content! My Jesus is my Head, His member I will be; He bowed His head, when on the cross He died, With cries of agony; How death is brought into subjection For me, too, by His resurrection. I am content!
3. I am content! My Jesus is my Lord, My Prince of Life and Peace; His loving heart is thirsting after man’s Welfare and future bliss. Where He, my Lord and Master, liveth, His servant also He receiveth. I am content!
4. I am content! My Jesus is my Light, My radiant Sun of Grace. His cheering rays beam blessings forth for all; Sweet comfort, hope, and peace. This Easter-sun brings life, salvation, And everlasting exultation. I am content!
5. I am content! Lord, draw me but to Thee That from the dead I rise With Thee, my Head, and enter cheerfully Into Thy heavenly joys. The fetters of my body sever, Then shall my soul rejoice forever. I am content!
J. J. Moeller, 1704; A. Crull, tr.
227
L. M.
Where wilt Thou go since night draws near, O Jesus Christ, Thou Pilgrim dear? Lord, make me happy, be my Guest, And in my heart, oh, deign to rest.
2. Grant my request, O dearest Friend, For truly I Thy best intend; Thou knowest that Thou ever art A welcome Guest unto my heart.
3. The day is now far spent and gone, The shades of night come quickly on; Then stay with me, Thou heavenly Light, And do not leave me in this night.
4. Enlighten me that from the way That leads to heaven I may not stray, That I may never be misled, Though night of sin is round me spread.
5. And when I on my death-bed lie, Help me and let me gently die. Abide! I will not let Thee go! Thou wilt not leave me, Lord, I know.
E. C. Homburg, † 1681; A. Crull, tr., a.
228
C. M.
Welcome, Thou Victor in the strife, Welcome from out the cave! To-day we triumph in Thy life Around Thine empty grave.
2. Our enemy is put to shame, His short-lived triumph o’er; Our God is with us, we exclaim; We fear our foe no more.
3. The dwellings of the just resound With songs of victory; For in their midst Thou, Lord, art found And bringest peace with Thee.
4. O let Thy conquering banner wave O’er hearts Thou makest free; And point the path that from the grave Leads heavenward up to Thee.
5. We bury all our sin and crime Deep in our Savior’s tomb And seek the treasure there that time And change can ne’er consume.
6. Fearless we lay us in the tomb And sleep the night away; For Thou art there to break the gloom And call us back to-day.
B. Schmolck, 1712; C. Winkworth, tr., a.
229
L. M.
I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead, He lives, my ever-living Head.
2. He lives triumphant from the grave, He lives eternally to save, He lives all-glorious in the sky, He lives exalted there on high.
3. He lives to bless me with His love, He lives to plead for me above, He lives my hungry soul to feed, He lives to help in time of need.
4. He lives to grant me rich supply, He lives to guide me with His eye, He lives to hear my soul’s complaint, He lives to comfort me when faint.
5. He lives to silence all my fears, He lives to wipe away my tears, He lives to calm my troubled heart, He lives all blessings to impart.
6. He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend, He lives and loves me to the end; He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing; He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King!
7. He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death; He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there.
8. He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same. O the sweet joy this sentence gives, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”
Samuel Medley, 1775.
230
L. M.
Lord Jesus Christ, strong Hero Thou, Grim death Thou hast o’erpowered now, Thou dost destroy hell’s gate and chain, Dost on the third day rise again.
2. Thou grantest to Thy friends the grace To look again upon Thy face And showest them the glorious prize Won when from death Thou didst arise.
3. Grant that we and all Christians may Partake of this great joy to-day Which by Thy resurrection Thou To all men freely givest now.
4. Grant us that we may rise from sin, A holy life to lead begin, Till we, from sin and pain set free, In endless Easter live with Thee.
B. Helder, 1620; A. Crull, tr., a.
ASCENSION.
231
8, 7, 8 l
See, the Conqueror mounts in triumph; See the King in royal state, Riding on the clouds, His chariot, To His heavenly palace gate! Hark! the choirs of angel voices Joyful alleluias sing, And the portals high are lifted To receive their heav’nly King.
2. Who is this that comes in glory, With the trump of jubilee? Lord of battles, God of armies,— He hath gained the victory. He who on the cross did suffer, He who from the grave arose, He has vanquished sin and Satan; He by death has spoiled His foes.
3. While He raised His hands in blessing, He was parted from His friends, While their eager eyes behold Him, He upon the clouds ascends; He who walked with God and pleased Him, Preaching truth and doom to come, He, our Enoch, is translated To His everlasting home.
4. How our heav’nly Aaron enters With His blood within the veil; Joshua now is come to Canaan, And the kings before Him quail; Now He plants the tribes of Israel In their promised resting-place; Now our great Elijah offers Double portion of His grace.
5. Thou hast raised our human nature On the clouds to God’s right hand; There we sit in heav’nly places, There with Thee in glory stand. Jesus reigns, adored by angels; Man with God is on the throne; Mighty Lord, in Thine ascension We by faith behold our own.
C. Wordsworth, 1862.
232
L. M.
Our Lord is risen from the dead, Our Jesus is gone up on high; The powers of hell are captive led, The Victor rises to the sky.
2. There His triumphal chariot waits, And angels chant the solemn lay: “Lift up your heads, ye heavenly gates! Ye everlasting doors, give way!”
3. Loose all your bars of massy light And wide unfold the radiant scene. He claims these mansions as His right; Receive the King of Glory in.
4. Who is the King of Glory, who? The Lord, who all His foes o’ercame, The world, sin, death, and hell o’erthrew; And Jesus is the Conqueror’s name.
5. Lo! His triumphal chariot waits, And angels chant the solemn lay: “Lift up your heads, ye heavenly gates; Ye everlasting doors, give way!”
6. Who is the King of Glory, who? The Lord, of glorious power possest, The King of saints and angels too, God over all, forever blest!
Charles Wesley, 1741.
233
7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6
Lo, God to heaven ascendeth! Throughout its regions vast With shouts triumphant blendeth The trumpet’s thrilling blast: Sing praise to Christ the Lord! Sing praise with exultation, King of each heathen nation, The God of hosts adored!
2. With joy is heaven resounding, Christ’s glad return to see; Behold the saints surrounding The Lord who set them free. Bright myriads, thronging, come; The cherub band rejoices, And loud seraphic voices Welcome Messiah home.
3. No more the way is hidden Since Christ, our Head, arose; No more to man forbidden The road that heav’nward goes. Our Lord is gone before; But here He will not leave us, In heaven He’ll soon receive us; He opens wide the door.
4. Christ is our place preparing; To heaven we, too, shall rise And, joys angelic sharing, Be where our Treasure lies. There may each heart be found, Where Jesus Christ has entered; There let our hopes be centered, Our course still heavenward bound!
5. May we, His servants, thither In heart and mind ascend; And let us sing together: “We seek Thee, Christ, our Friend, Thee, God’s anointed Son, Our Life, and Way to heaven, To whom all power is given, Our Joy, and Hope, and Crown!”
6. Farewell with all thy treasures, O world, to falsehood giv’n! Thy dross gives no true pleasures; We seek the joys of heav’n. The Savior is our Prize; He comforts us in sadness And fills our hearts with gladness; To Him we lift our eyes.
7. When, on our vision dawning, Will break the wished-for hour Of that all-glorious morning When Christ shall come with power? O come, thou welcome day! When we, our Savior meeting, His second advent greeting, Shall hail the heaven-sent ray.
G. W. Sacer, 1661; F. E. Cox, tr., a.
234
4, 4, 7, 4, 4, 7
Draw us to Thee, For then shall we Walk in Thy steps forever And hasten on Where Thou art gone To be with Thee, dear Savior.
2. Draw us to Thee, Lord, lovingly; Let us depart with gladness That we may be Forever free From sorrow, grief, and sadness.
3. Draw us to Thee; O grant that we May find the road to heaven. Direct our way, Lest we should stray And from Thy paths be driven.
4. Draw us to Thee, That also we Thy heavenly bliss inherit And ever dwell Where sin and hell No more can vex our spirit.
5. Draw us to Thee Unceasingly, Into Thy kingdom take us; Let us fore’er Thy glory share, Thy saints and joint heirs make us.
Fr. Funcke, † 1699; A. Crull, tr.
235
L. M.
A hymn of glory let us sing; New songs throughout the world shall ring: By a new way none ever trod Christ mounteth to the throne of God.
2. May our affections thither tend And thither constantly ascend Where, seated on the Father’s throne, Thee reigning in the heavens we own!
3. Be Thou our present Joy, O Lord, Who wilt be ever our Reward; And as the countless ages flee, May all our glory be in Thee!
4. All glory to the Father be, All glory, Jesus Christ, to Thee, Who didst to heaven above ascend, And to the Spirit, without end.
Bede, † 735; Elizabeth R. Charles, 1858.
236
8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7